Need advice for a good 88 key controller

scottythedestroyer · Post by **scottythedestroyer** » Wed Dec 19, 2012 2:48 am

I currently own an M-Audio Keystation 88es but I want to upgrade to something a bit nicer. I have enjoyed the keystation but I have noticed some major flaws. It says it is touch sensitive but really even if you barely touch the key it still comes out at a pretty high decibel and sounds like your just pounding the keys when your playing chords that you want to keep fairly quiet. I'm not sure if you can plug an expression pedal into it either which is something I considered. It has a volume pedal input which honestly I don't think would help very much it would just bring the volume down but it would still be loud as far as dynamics. The semi-weighted keys are ok. I really want the piano feel when I'm playing and it just isn't doing it for me.

Can anyone recommend a controller that is actually very touch sensitive for playing dynamic things and also has nice keys, and more controls?

miekwave · Post by **miekwave** » Wed Dec 19, 2012 3:37 am

scottythedestroyer wrote:I currently own an M-Audio Keystation 88es but I want to upgrade to something a bit nicer. I have enjoyed the keystation but I have noticed some major flaws. It says it is touch sensitive but really even if you barely touch the key it still comes out at a pretty high decibel and sounds like your just pounding the keys when your playing chords that you want to keep fairly quiet. I'm not sure if you can plug an expression pedal into it either which is something I considered. It has a volume pedal input which honestly I don't think would help very much it would just bring the volume down but it would still be loud as far as dynamics. The semi-weighted keys are ok. I really want the piano feel when I'm playing and it just isn't doing it for me.

Can anyone recommend a controller that is actually very touch sensitive for playing dynamic things and also has nice keys, and more controls?

Roland A90 is the best 88 Keyboard Controller ever conceived.
https://www.google.com/search?q=Roland+A90

Has bend lever, pitch wheel mod wheel, 4 MIDI in/outs, Signature piano sound, awesome hammer action keyboard response, 4 assignable sliders, unlimited layering /program possibilities. If you use this wil live you can assign clips or scenes to keys on CHx mode then instantly switch to another laywer bank to play piano sounds while changing scenes. Faders are assignable to CC, NRPN, RPN, and SysEX values. Perfect interface between Live and other hardware devices with Sysex as far as controllers go. Brilliant programming/midi combi possibilities, i.e. you can load an Orchestra patch and do velocity laers on 32 midi channels. just to give you an idea. Also contains JV1080 slot, if you want some 90s ROMPLER Pack sounds.

miekwave · Post by **miekwave** » Wed Dec 19, 2012 3:47 am

Also Eberheim MC3000 or MC2000 series 88kb controllers are solid as well with a more modernized interface.

merges · Post by **merges** » Wed Dec 19, 2012 6:03 am

Fatar/StudioLogic+

v00d00ppl · Post by **v00d00ppl** » Wed Dec 19, 2012 6:08 am

Yamaha s90
Ensoniq asr-88 (legendary sampler with awesome key action)

8O · Post by 8O » Wed Dec 19, 2012 9:33 am

scottythedestroyer wrote:I currently own an M-Audio Keystation 88es but I want to upgrade to something a bit nicer. I have enjoyed the keystation but I have noticed some major flaws. It says it is touch sensitive but really even if you barely touch the key it still comes out at a pretty high decibel and sounds like your just pounding the keys when your playing chords that you want to keep fairly quiet. I'm not sure if you can plug an expression pedal into it either which is something I considered. It has a volume pedal input which honestly I don't think would help very much it would just bring the volume down but it would still be loud as far as dynamics. The semi-weighted keys are ok. I really want the piano feel when I'm playing and it just isn't doing it for me.

Can anyone recommend a controller that is actually very touch sensitive for playing dynamic things and also has nice keys, and more controls?

I have the same M-Audio keyboard and when I get a bit (a lot) better at playing, I'll be in the same boat as you. Keep us posted as to which ones you try out!

scottythedestroyer · Post by **scottythedestroyer** » Wed Dec 19, 2012 5:07 pm

Thanks guys! I'll be sure to let you know if I try any of these and I'll tell you which ones I preferred and all the details about them on my journey to find my perfect controller. Also I don't have much money right now so it might be a while before I get to buy or try one but I'm just trying to figure out what I want right now. Thanks for the recommendations.

miekwave · Post by **miekwave** » Thu Dec 20, 2012 3:14 am

merges wrote:Fatar/StudioLogic+

Studio logic have good 88 key piano action keyboards, however it's hard for me to imagine using it with Ableton due to lackluster daw control support, then again I could be wrong since I never actualy neen the controller series in action... hmm should look into that

sowhoso · Post by **sowhoso** » Thu Dec 20, 2012 4:01 am

merges wrote:Fatar/StudioLogic+

yeah, they're designed for pianists

easemeister · Post by **easemeister** » Thu Dec 20, 2012 5:52 am

+1000 for Studiologic VMK188+

Need advice for a good 88 key controller

Need advice for a good 88 key controller

Re: Need advice for a good 88 key controller

Re: Need advice for a good 88 key controller

Re: Need advice for a good 88 key controller

Re: Need advice for a good 88 key controller

Re: Need advice for a good 88 key controller

Re: Need advice for a good 88 key controller

Re: Need advice for a good 88 key controller

Re: Need advice for a good 88 key controller

Re: Need advice for a good 88 key controller